The Most (and Least) Charitable States in America
A recent spate of disasters has people across the country reaching for their wallets to help out. But residents of some states are a lot more generous than others.
natural disasters
Big Business Is Finally Waking Up to Global Warming
2012 was the second most extreme weather year in U.S. history, and the corporate world is at last starting to realize that climate change could cost it a fortune.
10 States with the Most People Living on Edge of Financial Ruin
Across America today, millions of people are unable to save for even short-term emergencies -- but in some places, people have it worse than others. Business Insider reveals the states where residents are the least able to cope with unexpected money troubles.
4 Ways the Stock Market Could Really Surprise You
It's impossible to time a stock market crash, but the chances that 'something' bad will happen should always be on investors' minds. Here are four wild, yet plausible, blowup scenarios.
Why Your Insurance Rates Just Jumped (and What to Do About It)
More than a third of Americans say their insurance costs grew in 2012, and in the majority of cases, it's not because they increased their coverage. But don't accuse the insurers of price-gouging: They've had a really rough decade.
13 Financial New Year's Resolutions to Keep in 2013
When it comes to keeping New Year's resolutions, plenty of us don't have such great track records. But most people who made financial resolutions in 2012 kept them, which makes them a smart addition to your annual ritual. To set the stage for your success in 2013, here are 13 resolutions to consider.
Home Damaged by Hurricane Sandy? Get Some Tax Relief
If Hurricane Sandy damaged your home, you may face months of waiting for much-needed repairs and insurance reimbursements. But you might find some relief from an unlikely source - the IRS.
Frankenstorm Is Coming: Do You Have Flood Insurance
With Hurricane Sandy, aka Frankenstorm, poised to hit the U.S. next week, now may be a good time to ask: Are you covered, and should you be? Even if you're not in this storm's path, 90% of natural disasters nationwide involve flooding. Yet less than a fifth of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance.
Record Drought May Be a Good Time to Stop Using Corn for Fuel
Newsflash: The United Nations and The Wall Street Journal just agreed on something: With this summer's brutal drought, America needs to stop using so much corn to produce ethanol for fuel, and start using it in the food chain.
Hurricane Season: Are You Covered for Flood Damage?
Hurricane season comes every year, and 90% of natural disasters nationwide involve flooding. Yet less than a fifth of U.S. homeowners have a flood insurance policy. With Hurricane Irene poised to hit the U.S. this weekend, now may be a good time to ask: Are you covered, and should you be?
The 10 Costliest Floods in American History
Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers flooded Vicksburg, Miss., to save New Orleans, an awful choice that speaks volumes about how hard it is for even modern technology to fight Mother Nature. 24/7 Wall St. looks back at other times when water won the battle.
Toyota to Keep Japanese Plants Idle Into Next Week
The Japanese automaker has extended its halt on vehicle production at its plants in Japan through March 22, as the country continues to reel from the devastation of last week's massive 9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami.
Insurers Prepare for a Rough Storm Season
Tornadoes, floods, severe weather: It's shaping up to be another bad year on the natural disaster front, and that could place increased pressure on the U.S. insurance industry.
Making the Most of an Ecological Disaster
The Rocky Mountain West is trying to take a devastating pine-beetle infestation and turn it to its economic advantage -- in fields as diverse as alternative energy and fine woodworking.
After Tornado, Victims Fear Insurers Will Spin Them
As the nation's insurance adjusters assess the damage of last weekend's deadly tornado, victims worry carriers may try to avoid covering claims related to the disaster. Insurers are including more exclusions in their policies and are low-balling the cost of repairs, critics say.